Emily Skirvin has to be in the range of 5 feet tall, give or take an inch, but when you hear her sing you’d swear her big, bold sound was coming from a much larger person. And it’s not just her voice that’s outsize, she has the spirit and the heart to match.
“I remember I was at a cousin’s graduation party, and somebody had a karaoke machine,” relates Emily. “I sang ‘Rolling in the Deep” by Adele, and everybody was like, What?! Wait, you are really good! I’ve been singing since I was probably 13 years old, middle school choir, high school theater, pretty much anywhere I could get in front of an audience.”
Astute readers may recognize Emily from her job as a server/bartender at Vintage Lanes wine bar, or as a lead vocalist with the local band Roman Toast. She also sells life insurance by day at her dad’s company in Hanover, Skirvin and Associates. “I grew up around the insurance business,” she says, “I actually got my license to sell when I was still in college.”
“I majored in theater and sales at Ball State, but my love for musical theater started way before that. I got the part of young Cosette in Les Mis when the high school did that show. I was Jane Banks in Mary Poppins when I was still in 8th grade. I was in literally every show every year during high school. I couldn’t get enough of it.
“I got the lead parts in Pajama Game, Anything Goes, Newsies, and in Tarzan I played the leopard and got to wear the flight gear and fly around the stage! I have an outgoing personality I guess, and I like performing for people and making them smile.
“Since college I’ve done a couple shows in Clarksville and one in Louisville, and I’m always looking for more opportunities in theater. But singing with Roman Toast in a rock band is a whole different game. You’re not inhabiting a character, but rather just being yourself up on the stage. It’s kind of liberating, but also kind of intimidating. There’s nothing to hide behind.
“I’ve been living in downtown Madison for about a year and a half, and I have to say I really like the lifestyle. I can walk to just about everything, get food, walk to work if I want, run along the river or across the bridge. I have a little motor scooter if I’m in a hurry and it’s warm. There’s a quality to downtown Madison that’s very special, and I’m so glad to be a part of it.
“A big part of my life now, and a big reason why I’m having so much fun and enjoying everything, is my job at Vintage Lanes. I just love the people I meet, the Chandlers are awesome, and I’m learning so much. I’m becoming a real expert in bourbon, wine, craft beer and cocktails. And as an added perk of the job, sometimes the jazz trio that plays on Fridays has me come up and sing a tune or two. That pretty much makes my whole night when that happens!
“If you’d have told me 4 years ago when I was still in college that I’d be living back in my home community, working at a classy wine bar and singing in a rock band, I’d have said you were crazy. You just never know where your life will lead and how great it can be, if you just follow your heart and put yourself out there.”
HOT TIP OF THE WEEK:
January in Madison is traditionally kinda slow as far as live music goes … but our awesome bars and venues obviously did not get the memo! Still plenty of free, live music to enjoy Thursday, Friday, Saturday and even Sunday in Indiana’s Music City. But enough about music, the mighty Indiana University Hoosiers are playing for a berth in the college football championships on Friday. There is no better way to watch a big game than at a lively bar or brewery with a bunch of friends (whether you know anyone or not!) The TVs will be on at Mad Paddle and Tailgators for sure, along with live music, plus all of the other local taverns and pubs will be sure to have the game on also. Don’t sit at home for this one folks, get out and enjoy the energy of the big game with a bunch of cheering fellow Hoosiers!
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